I think the leaves add interest to the image, complements the lady's flowers and garbs. It would probably have worked better if it was not completely centered.
It is a somber image. Her free-flowing cloths are at odds to the rigid geometry of the vaults. While I wasn't too enraptured by this image initially, the more I have studied it, the more it appeals to me. I hope it does well for you in this challenge.
What is that up by her face? Looks like a strangely large and floating hand. The idea here, suggesting a story, is good. But I find the strangeness of the figure distracting.
oops back to edit. I have finally figured it out. She has a veil in front of her face. My monitor is too dark to allow me to make it out easily. And the floating hand is actually the stems of the bouquet. Sorry.
This photo has a good concept of the theme, but a technical error in photography lends to it's possible demise... The branches appearing in the top of the image is a no-no. Otherwise the composition is good.